HOUSTON – Skanska USA Commercial Development's proposed Capitol Tower was awarded LEED v4 Platinum pre-certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The proposed tower is slated to be the first building in Houston to be awarded the certification and one of only three projects nationally and 122 projects worldwide to be pre-certified under the new standards.

“Being among the first to achieve LEED v4 Platinum pre-certification is consistent with Skanska's commitment to leadership in sustainable building practices,” said Michael Mair, executive vice president of Skanska USA Commercial Development in Houston. “Our focus is to provide value for our tenants by creating built environments that are healthy, productive and resource efficient.”

Capitol Tower, designed by architectural firm Gensler, will be a 750,000-square foot Class A office tower proposed in downtown Houston at 808 Capitol St. The project's sustainable features will include:

• a high-performance building façade that significantly reduces solar gain;
• daylight harvesting technology that can significantly reduce energy usage;
• 90% access to daylight and views for tenants;
• a garage with occupancy lighting sensors and a green rooftop;
• alternative vehicle charging stations;
• a rainwater collection system for reuse in landscape irrigation and water closets;
• bicycle racks, lockers and showers to encourage commuting.

“Skanska made it clear from the beginning of the design process that they wanted this to be the most sustainable building in Houston,” said Gensler Principal Kristopher Stuart.

A groundbreaking date has not been announced for the Capitol Tower, to be constructed on the site of the old Houston Club building, which is being demolished.

Skanska's 3009 Post Oak Boulevard development became the first commercial office building in the Galleria submarket to receive LEED Platinum certification.